Sierra Leone’s parliament enacted landmark legislation to ban child marriage last week, marking a significant step in the nation’s efforts to protect young girls and promote gender equality.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, which criminalizes marriage for anyone under the age of 18, aims to shield girls from a practice that has long violated their rights and hindered their development.
Child marriage is a pervasive issue in Sierra Leone, where 30 percent of girls and 4 percent of boys are married before turning 18.
In rural areas, the rates are even higher, and approximately 800,000 girls are currently married in the country, with half marrying before age 15. This practice contributes to Sierra Leone’s high adolescent pregnancy rate, where pregnancy complications are the leading cause of death for girls aged 15-19.
The new law prohibits all forms of child marriage and cohabitation with a child, including aiding and abetting such practices. It also ensures that affected girls have access to counseling and safeguarding services. By amending existing legislation, including the Child Rights and Registration of Customary Marriage Acts, the law seeks to harmonize the legal framework on marriage and break the cycle of early marriage and its devastating consequences.
This legislation builds on Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to protect young girls from marriage and remove barriers to girls’ education. A new education law adopted in 2023 guarantees 13 years of free education, including one year of preprimary education and secondary education.
The First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has played a pivotal role in advocating against child marriage, bringing attention to the issue and mobilizing support for legislative changes.
The enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 is a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards gender equality and child protection. It sets a precedent for other African nations, such as Tanzania and Zambia, to repeal laws that permit child marriage and ensure that girls can complete primary and secondary education.
Moving forward, Sierra Leone’s government needs to raise awareness, particularly in rural areas, about the new law and the harmful effects of child marriage. Addressing other harmful practices linked to child marriage, such as female genital mutilation, will also be crucial. The government should collaborate with local communities, nongovernmental organizations, and international partners to campaign publicly about the harms associated with child marriage, while providing support services for married children and those at risk.
Additionally, the government must continue to focus on keeping girls in school and developing sustainable economic opportunities and social programs that empower girls and their families. By doing so, Sierra Leone can ensure that the new law translates into real, positive change for its young population.
